Please find attached a statement which MFAT is distributing on behalf of the family of Nick Parker, killed in Tuesday's train crash in Australia.
A photograph of Mr Parker will follow.

Mr Parker's family has asked that the media respect their request for privacy, and not contact family members or friends, in New Zealand or Australia.
Family members will not be available for interviews, and they will be making no further comment.

Inquiries about the train crash should be directed to the Victoria state police.

MFAT has received no reports of any other New Zealanders involved in the crash.

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Nick Parker

A 32-year-old Wellington man, Nicholas (Nick) William Parker, died on 5th of June 2007 when a truck and trailer unit collided with a train on which Nick was a passenger. The accident occurred at a level crossing near Kerang in Victoria, Australia, last Tuesday and Nick died at the scene.

Nick was in Australia attending a family member’s engagement.

Nicholas was born in Wellington, and attended Wellington College. He lived in Wellington, interrupted by periods of overseas travel.

Nick worked in their family furniture business in Thorndon with his parents Judy and Michael Parker and sister Amadee Parker.

Nick loved the outdoors and in his spare time he was a keen skier, tramper and windsurfer.

He played cricket for the Waikanae club and snooker at the Porirua Club.

He touched many people with his caring loving nature and sense of humour, developed from being a member of such a large community of family and friends.

“We are overwhelmed with support from all our Australian and New Zealand friends and family” Nick’s sister Kirsten said.

“We are all devastated and still coming to terms with Nick’s tragic death and do not wish to make any further public comment” a family spokesperson said.

Nicholas is survived by his loving partner Lisa, his parents Michael and Judy Parker, sisters Kirsten and Amadee, and grandmother Dawn Tucker.

ENDS

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